Summary

Sends small specimens for CGE to examine if he wishes.

Thanks CGE for his letter on Atlantic Dust: CD hopes to send a little paper to the Geological Society of London.

If CGE should examine Pampæan mud, CD would like to know the result.

Summary

Will be pleased to provide a testimonial for J. D. Hooker, who is seeking the Chair in Botany at Edinburgh, but fears he himself is so little known that it could only be of the smallest service. Has asked Lyell to write to J. F. W. Herschel giving an opinion of J. D. Hooker.

Summary

Thanks him for describing the niata ox.

He is delighted that GRW is grappling with Galápagos insects. Needs to know immediately whether any entomologists beside GRW, Walker and A. White have described his insects.

Summary

Discusses the possible rebuilding of a pair of cottages on CD’s farm at Beesby, Lincolnshire.

Summary

Describes his reasoning in classifying CD’s Turritella ambulacrum specimens into two sorts. GBS holds that distinguishing characters, whether of species or varieties, should always be noticed. [See South America, appendix, pl. III, fig. 49.]

Summary

JDH’s books have arrived safely.

Is sending him corrected MS of first part of Journal of researches [2d ed.].

Lyells have just visited.

Summary

Sends results of chemical tests on specimens [of salt, see South America, pp. 73–5].

Encloses abstract from Justus Liebig on composition of bones and their ability to withstand decay.

Summary

Thanks correspondent for forwarding microscopical specimens, a present from C. G. Ehrenberg.

Summary

Corrects a misunderstanding of his description of salt deposits [in South America, pp. 74–5]. The salt referred to was from Rio Negro, and was coarsely crystallised and free of other saline substances found in sea-salt. CD believes its lesser value in curing meat is owing to the absence of muriates of lime and magnesia and suggests that it might be worth while to add them to the Rio Negro salt.

Summary

Is certain he never signed any paper with Henry Colburn or he would have kept a copy as he did of FitzRoy’s agreement. Wishes JM success in his negotiations with Colburn; asks him to remind Colburn that the copperplate has been left with editor of German edition.

Summary

Returns notes on Confervae.

Has had information from Ehrenberg on organic forms in Atlantic dust.

Thanks for sketch of Galapagos flora.

Summary

Complain about the postal service to Down and urgently request improvement.

Summary

Thanks for facts on solitary islands having several species of peculiar genera; "it knocks on the head some analogies of mine".

Has long been trying to discover in how many flowers crossing is probable, but finds it difficult to show "even a vague probability of this".

Will JDH proof-read Galapagos chapter of Journal of researches?

Gives information on his Galapagos collection; explains why it differs from others.

Summary

A Tasmanian Cyttaria is same species as CD’s Fuegian fungus. Did the species originate on the beeches of Fuegia or of Tasmania?

JDH gives interpretation of Vestiges.

John McCulloch, J. F. Schouw, and Lamarck on the species question.

Summary

Thinks JDH’s explanation of polymorphism on volcanic islands is probably correct.

Proposes experimental test to see whether alpine form of a plant is inherited like a true variety.

Summary

Thanks for note. Believes agreement with Henry Colburn does not cover 2d ed. of Journal of researches. Regrets Murray’s Colonial Library series will require one-fifth reduction of text; will consult Lyell on how to reduce scientific part. Prefers that JM consult with Colburn, but in case he declines, encloses draft of letter he would send to Colburn. Anticipates co-operation of Colburn, as he has paid CD nothing for 1st ed. of Journal.

Summary

Sends specimens. Asks for information about specimens from Rio Gallegos.

What does CGE mean by the term "Fluthgebiete"?

French translation gives impression that Ehrenberg attributes Pampas deposit to debacle.

Summary

The translation of Humboldt’s Kosmos [Cosmos (1846–58)] is delayed.

Gives instances of peculiar genera with several good species in very small islands. Scarcity of insects on islands.

JDH cannot prove that there is much hybridising, but does not see why there should not be. "Bother variation, development & all such subjects, it is reasoning in a circle I believe after all."